Re: SAD-Phototherapy

> My husband grows hydroponic tomatoes for a hobby and uses this great big light. I'm going to go into his mini-greenhouse for the next 7 days and see if that helps. I'm going to start with 10 minutes and hopefully I'll find the time to do it before 10am. Anyone with real-life experience? How soon can one expect to see any improvement?> > dove> > p.s. My husband has really benefited from working in that greenhouse during the winter. I mean, you can really tell the difference when he comes out. He has said that watching the plants grow and all the greenery and fruit is what really makes him feel great about life.

For the past three years I've used one of these. It's a 1000watt metal halide for greenhouses. It's actually right in my living room and is so bright. Houseplants love it. Visitors love it. Maine winters are long and dreary. My son calls our living room "Arizona".

Only a couple downsides to these lights. They're expensive (couple hundred dollars). There are some much smaller than 1000watts though which aren't so pricey. A 1000watt bulb alone costs $80. They're dangerous only if cracked, because they will continue working except ultraviolets rays escape and burn the skin and eyes. In the rare event they explode there is mercury inside. Not good. Wise to use a clear safety panel that comes with them as an add-on option. Especially if they're near moisture.

The bright light has not helped my depression though. It does help general comfort during winter. Nice to have an Arizona living room when the sun has been hidden behind a dark gray dreary sky for 7 days while 0 degrees outside temperature lingers with no end. Bright light actually has many benefits, but the one most important to me has not been achieved.